Hello,
I'm Jenny B.
This meditation is designed for restful sleep.
Find a comfortable safe place to sit or lie,
Perhaps with a cover that gives you comfort and warmth and set any timers that you may need.
There is no rush,
Nothing to do for a while,
Nothing to do but rest.
And today we're going to sail away to sleep,
Listening to our boat cut through the ocean,
Whilst lying sleepily,
Watching the warm sun go down.
But before we do,
Let's just check in with ourselves and prepare our body and mind for our restful journey.
And if you haven't done so already,
Close your eyes or lower your gaze.
And become aware of the weight of your body on the bed or chair,
That gentle pull of gravity,
As if you're anchored,
Softly,
Safe and still.
And I invite you to imagine yourself enveloped gently in a safe cocoon of light,
Any colour you choose.
This light protects your space,
A gentle peaceful stillness surrounds you.
And safe in your cocoon,
Let's just check in with your body.
It's so easy for our brain and body to get disconnected in our busyness and for it to continue to hold the tension of the day.
So just spend a moment,
Just notice,
Acknowledge and release.
Your tongue,
Your jaw,
Let them move gently to relax.
Your shoulders,
Your chest,
Notice if you're holding on to any breath.
Just let it go.
The day is done.
And slowly move down your body.
Let your stomach be soft,
Your thighs,
Your arms,
Your fingers and toes.
Stretch them out if it feels good and then let them rest.
And any part of you that comes to your attention,
Put your hand gently there and say,
I hear you,
You can relax now.
And in a moment,
We'll take some breaths together.
Some life-giving breaths.
And let's try breathing three breaths in.
So into our lower belly and the upper belly and now your chest.
And then exhale with an audible sigh.
That's again now.
So lower belly,
Upper belly,
Chest.
And let it all go.
Your body's relaxing now.
You might notice how heavy you begin to feel with the tension melting,
Heaving away.
Off,
Away,
Leaving your body,
Breathing it out.
Feeling heavier and heavier.
Letting you mentally close the door on the day.
I'd like to invite you to imagine yourself standing in a quiet,
Cozy room.
The space just for you,
Ready for your journey to sleep.
In front of you is a doorway.
It could be old oak,
Glass or even crystal,
Whatever you choose.
And a light gently shimmers around its frame with a feeling of safety and familiarity as you walk towards it.
And as you step through,
You are transported to the deck of an ancient sailboat.
Its red sails gently catching the wind.
Life is simple in this time and the journey will be calm.
You hear the bow of the boat cutting through the water and look over the edge to watch the white foam as it does so.
Sparkling white froth on the boat,
Lifting gently and rhythmically as it makes its way forward out towards the ocean.
You feel happy here.
You have everything you need.
It is just for your pleasure and relaxation.
It's late afternoon.
The sun is large and the deck feels warm to touch.
The familiar crew are busy and they acknowledge you with a friendly wave and get along with their work.
Around you there's some cargo,
Just some soft sacks of spices,
Cloves,
Bay leaves,
Dried orange peel,
Nutmeg.
They make a relaxing seat and sloped backrest and you sigh as you sink into their scented comfort.
A gentle fresh breeze cools your skin and you let your shoulders relax a little bit more.
The sound of the waves is so restful.
You lie your head back onto the softness and look up to the sky.
The sun is falling heavily and the atmosphere slowly changes with that innate knowing,
That feeling,
That shift.
Noticing the cooler air and those subtle changes in light,
Just knowing in your soul that the evening is on its way and the dark skies will follow.
Just let that moment infuse itself in you.
That time of complete relaxation will soon be here.
And the day closes and you'll relax completely.
Briefly one of the crew brings you a little food and a drink.
You nod to each other like you always do.
An easy,
Friendly companionship and thanks are given.
And then the person goes back to their work.
A food is just what you like,
Maybe a sweet bread or pastry or some fresh cut fruit glistening in the last of the sun.
Nothing is required of you here.
It's your turn to rest and watch the sun slip down into the horizon.
Slowly,
Slowly,
So smoothly it's hard to notice the change until the deep orange color sinks out of sight.
And any lingering thoughts can be put into an imagined box until the morning.
Picture that box in your mind's eye,
The decoration,
The size,
The lid.
Just drop those worries and thoughts in one by one,
Even the little niggles.
When you're ready,
Close the lid and lock it.
And as you leave the edge of the coast,
You see the last of the white houses and their lights.
The smell of wood smoke drifts over in the wind briefly.
The evening sky and pale moon will be here soon and you're heading out to the wide ocean now.
And the land recedes behind you.
The people in their houses resting now too.
And you might like to pull your blanket or cover near you or feel it under your hand,
Cozy under the night sky.
It always holds you like a warm hug.
And the gentle rhythm of the ocean rests your body and mind.
And you take some deep breaths and settle down.
Darkness begins to fall and all is well.
And above you,
In time,
That night sky,
That dark beautiful night sky,
Is so beautiful.
As it reveals itself completely.
Its vast galaxy of stars takes your breath away.
It's almost emotional to see this ancient scene which you're part of and accepted in.
The size,
The space,
The lights,
The colours,
Just magnificent.
It's a mystery that's just so familiar and mesmerising.
And the bright stars seem to lead you.
And you can sit back and leave the journey to itself.
The universe is your compass now,
Guiding you gently as sleep draws in.
You feel heavy and comfortable,
Content in the knowledge that right now,
Here,
All is as it should be.
And you catch the sound of a guitar being played near the hall.
Slow and melodic.
Drifting away soft as a lullaby.
Leaving a gentle warm atmosphere.
And the stars are watching over you,
Your course is held.
You can drift now.
Your eyes,
So heavy.
You're sinking and sinking.
Deeper and deeper.
Heavier and heavier.
Down through stillness,
Down into comfort.
Each star still twinkles softly.
Your course is still held.
The stars gently steer you.
It's time to let go.
Sleep will find you.
Whether it's now or later,
It doesn't matter.
You're not alone.
You're on your way.
Held safe and sound.
Good night,
My friend.
Good night.
